​Drinking Water Program

The purpose of the drinking water program is to oversee the safety and adequacy of drinking water. Activities in this program are aimed at ensuring potable drinking water supplies are free from contaminates that could adversely affect the health of the consumer. Generally, for public water systems, responsibilities are delegated from the Washington State Department of Health through a joint plan of operations (JPO). Environmental Health Staff are responsible for a number of activities involving potable water systems.

Planning to build?

The Health Departments role in the building permit process is ensuring an adequate and potable source of water is available. Klickitat County Health Department standards for water availability are only applicable to building permit applications for new structures requiring a source of potable water. They are NOT applicable to additions, remodels, or structures with no plumbing.

To show connection to a municipal or community water system, a completed application will need to be submitted with the applicable fee of $25 as well. Your water purveyor will sign off on the application, and ensure potable water can be provided to your building.

If you are drilling your own well, have a spring, or another type of source, the process requires more attention. The Water Availability Verification application will go through all the details. There is a $50 fee for water availability verification.